MARCHE
Location
Marche (also known as Le Marche) is a region located on the eastern side of central Italy. It occupies a roughly triangular area, with the Apennine Mountains to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. It shares borders with Emilia-Romagna to the north and Abruzzo to the south.
Grape Variety:
Trebbiano: Found in various forms.
Verdicchio: Marche has been the home territory of Verdicchio for more than 600 years. Verdicchio wines are green-hued, refreshingly crisp, and characterized by lively acidity and subtle herbaceous undertones. They pair wonderfully with local dishes like Brodetto di Pesce, a rich seafood stew.
Bianchello: Made from Bianchello (also known as Biancame) grapes grown around the Matauro river valley.
Other widely planted white grape varieties include Pinot Bianco, Malvasia Toscana, and Pecorino.
Climate:
Marche’s terroir benefits from a variety of climates due to the influences of the Apennines, the Adriatic Sea, and the region’s rivers (such as Metauro, Potenza, Tronto, and Nera). The rolling coastal hills around Ancona contribute to the distinctive terroir.
History:
Marche’s winemaking heritage spans thousands of years and has been influenced by various cultures, including the Etruscans, Romans, and Lombards. This rich history explains the breadth of vinicultural tradition and wine styles in the region.
Famous Wines:
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: A DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine, known for its high acidity and refreshing character.
Verdicchio di Matelica: Another DOCG Verdicchio, characterized by green-tinged white wines with herbaceous undertones.
Montepulciano-based Reds: Marche produces red wines from the Montepulciano grape, which can be of excellent quality.